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Game 99: Tigers (49-49) at Royals (45-54)

Watchmen_button_tiny by Ian Casselberry on in News

Detroit @ Kansas City


Zach Miner (3-3, 4.23) vs. Luke Hochevar (6-7, 5.10)

As the Tigers try to claw back into the AL Central race, it seems appropriate that they have to face one of the teams that put them in this predicament to begin with.  The Royals landed a punch squarely on the Tigers' chin at the very beginning of the season with a sweep at Comerica Park, and Detroit has been trying to recover ever since. 

Zach Miner gets his first start of the year for the Tigers after a dry run in Toledo to allow him to work on all of his pitches.  In four appearances with the Mud Hens (two starts), Miner posted an 0-1 record and 3.38 ERA, with 15 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings.  Before being sent down to Toledo, Miner had a 3-3 record and 4.23 ERA in 44 2/3 innings out of the Tigers' bullpen. 

Luke Hochevar comes off what was probably his best start of the season, holding the Mariners to one run and five hits in seven innings.  That effort follows two starts in which Hochevar was slammed for 13 runs in 10 innings by the Rays and Orioles, respectively.  He attributes the turnaround to making adjustments once hitters have figured out what he likes to throw.  But Hochevar shut the Tigers out over six innings the last time he faced them, so it's Detroit that will have to do the adjusting tonight.

Kansas City has won all six of its games against Detroit this year.  And they've been dominant, outscoring the Tigers 26-11.

Royals Review has your SB Nation opposing view for this three-game series.

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0-6, all in the first ten days of the season. A season which was supposed to be so glorious started out like some scene out of Dante’s Inferno….I mean, what level of hell would you put being swept by the kansas City Royals to start the season in?

But that was April, and April was a long time ago. The Royals started playing more like themselves for much of May and early June, before righting their own ship a bit lately. So which Royals team shows up? Or better yet, which Tigers team takes the field this week?

The Tigers need to put away team they are better than, put some distance between themselves and the .500 mark. This would be a good time to start that process….

by ahtrap on Jul 21, 2008 6:20 PM EDT   0 recs

Starting Lineups

DETROIT

1. Curtis Granderson, CF
2. Placido Polanco, 2B
3. Carlos Guillen, 3B
4. Miguel Cabrera, 1B
5. Matt Joyce, RF
6. Gary Sheffield, DH
7. Marcus Thames, LF
8. Pudge Rodriguez, C
9. Edgar Renteria, SS

KANSAS CITY

1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Mike Aviles, SS
3. Billy Butler, DH
4. Jose Guillen, RF
5. Mark Grudzielanek, 2B
6. Alex Gordon, 3B
7. Ross Gload, 1B
8. John Buck, C
9. Joey Gathright, CF

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 21, 2008 7:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Time to take L'il Maybin for a walk

now that it has cooled below 90 freaking degree’s. OPRESSIVE…..kind of like the Tigers offense…..glad to see Guillen back. Maybe Inge should get some work at SS? I’ll be back….

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 8:12 PM EDT   0 recs

it was 101 down here in Georgia

on my drive home @ 7

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Jul 21, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Just a short hello @all. I’m too tired today to follow this game (and you know it’s 2:10 now here so I have the right to be tired :D). Maybe it’s good for the Tigers when I don’t see to much of this game and they can beat those Royals for the first time this season. Zach Miner as starter….hm hopefully the Mudhens Experience works for him, too.
Renteria batting 9th. Oh Man, we want Jair Jurrjens back, the Braves betrayed us . This man is useless in American League (so, that’s the right motivation for him :LOL )

Have a good time all

Greetings from Germany. Dirk

by Germantiger on Jul 21, 2008 8:13 PM EDT   0 recs

We need some runs early for Miner.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 8:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Renteria..

Is this the first time he’s hit ninth? I cannot remember that happening yet this season.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 8:17 PM EDT   0 recs

yes and no

he had one at bat this year where he hit 9th, but that was probably as a pinch hitter.

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 8:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

is it just a normal scheduled day off for the Tilde? I missed the pre-game…

by Jerkwheat on Jul 21, 2008 8:20 PM EDT   0 recs

Looking ahead...

I know I’m jumping ahead, but something has been bothering me all day. The Tigers have a huge 3-game set with the Chi-Sox this weekend. Why wouldn’t Leyland switch up the rotation a bit? Currently, it’s Robertson, Verlander, and Miner to go against Floyd, Danks, and Vazquez.

Why, in such a big series, would the Tigs send out their #4 and #5 pitchers? Why wouldn’t you switch it up to have Verlander against Floyd, Robertson, and then Rogers? I realize that isn’t the best solution, but why wouldn’t Leyland have planned ahead right after the break?

by TFerg1103 on Jul 21, 2008 8:20 PM EDT   0 recs

Heading to softball

See ya in the 8th – hopefully with Zumaya setting up Jonesy.

by MSU4LIF on Jul 21, 2008 8:22 PM EDT   0 recs

I'm actually hoping

that Fossum or Lopez is pitching because the Tigers have a huge lead.

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 8:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey, welcome back

You were missed over the weekend.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 21, 2008 8:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

thanks

I shipped up to Boston for the weekend. Can’t say I am sorry to have missed that 11-10 loss.

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 8:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

for what it's worth

I just traded for Todd Jones in a keeper league I’m in. So now his outing can be even more terrifying for me!

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 8:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

oh how scary.

by wepri31 on Jul 21, 2008 8:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

WHY?

would anyone trade for Jones in a keeper league? Did you give up Jason Grilli to get him?

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 8:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

he was a minor piece of the deal

the key player was AJ Burnett

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 8:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

oh okay

I’d take Jonesy as a throw in I suppose.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 8:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

inning 1 of the Miner Ride is a success

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Jul 21, 2008 8:27 PM EDT   0 recs

Let's go Marus, bring him home.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 8:36 PM EDT   0 recs

Clean through 2..

so far so good?

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 8:46 PM EDT   0 recs

I think so

but I’m a well known Zach Miner apologist.

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 8:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I’m okay with that. I think Miner is a better starter than reliever myself, so no apologies here…

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 8:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

oh boy. pudge better try to steal of he’s bonna be out on a edgar dp anyway

by wepri31 on Jul 21, 2008 8:49 PM EDT   0 recs

A lot of insight there Wepri….lot of insight!

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 8:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Back from Baltimore...

where I was a witness to the 11-10 exercise in masochism. Hopefully tonight is less painful.

by rook34 on Jul 21, 2008 8:51 PM EDT   0 recs

Our sympathies

If you need us, we’re listening.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 21, 2008 8:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Worst part was...

I had to miss a lot of Zoom’s good inning because a 10 year old next to me was explaining how he was both a Red Sox and Yankees fan.

That place is a launching pad. Nice, but a launching pad.

by rook34 on Jul 21, 2008 8:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I was sooooo happy we didn’t make the hour trek up to Baltimore for Saturday’s game. I think I would have been scarred. And lord knows I’ve seen some painful losses…

by Jerkwheat on Jul 21, 2008 8:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

gah – never good to see a Placidome K

by Jerkwheat on Jul 21, 2008 8:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Renteria...

I think that’s the only way Renteria scores from second on a single. Worthless.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 8:58 PM EDT   0 recs

Oh Ya, NO way

He is the “Human Rain Delay”....

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 8:59 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

thanks for the help guys

by wepri31 on Jul 21, 2008 8:58 PM EDT   0 recs

Air mail!

Nice throw by Jose Guillen from RF.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 21, 2008 8:58 PM EDT   0 recs

That is funny...

here in Chicago they were talking about how great Guillen’s arm is because he threw out AJ yesterday. Most of us could throw him out.

by rook34 on Jul 21, 2008 8:59 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

he has a great arm

just was about 15 feet high with that one.

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 9:00 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I know...

just like poking fun at our White Sox pals.

by rook34 on Jul 21, 2008 9:01 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

that's some luck there

Usually Jose Guillen’s a sniper

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Jul 21, 2008 8:58 PM EDT   0 recs

atta boy miguel...

make them pay.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 8:59 PM EDT   0 recs

Cabrera gets a snack pack for every RBI

by Jerkwheat on Jul 21, 2008 9:00 PM EDT   0 recs

That is what you are supposed to do.

A base hit with RISP….that is all it takes….

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 9:00 PM EDT   0 recs

MATT JOYCE NEEDS A NICKNAME!

by Jerkwheat on Jul 21, 2008 9:00 PM EDT   0 recs

LOLJoyce

by Jerkwheat on Jul 21, 2008 9:02 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

White Marcus Thames

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Jul 21, 2008 9:02 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

The Big Kitten?

Though I vote for “White Marcus Thames”

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 21, 2008 9:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

White Marcus Thames

is a pretty good one. I swear Tuffy, Suss, and myself had a good one lined up for him during the Big Tilde Editorial Retreat last Sunday…but I can’t recall it now.

by Jerkwheat on Jul 21, 2008 9:08 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

How about the Silent Assassin?

Was 20 feet from him in left the other night and the guy didn’t change his focus point from the mound to home plate all night, unless a ball was hit to him. Didn’t jaw with fans, didn’t talk to Grandy, nothing. Focused. Iceman, perhaps?

by rook34 on Jul 21, 2008 9:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

YEah Joyce...

really make them pay. Boy does he have a nice swing.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 9:00 PM EDT   0 recs

Howdy guys. Good time to pop in, eh?

Go Tigers!
Detroit Red Wings - 2008 Stanley Cup Champions

by Tony K on Jul 21, 2008 9:02 PM EDT   0 recs

Eh-hem

6-0 lead in Baltimore. Ring any bells? Sorry to be a downer. I just expect disappointment lately.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 9:04 PM EDT   0 recs

Was that the unintentional intentional walk?

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 9:10 PM EDT   0 recs

Crimany.

1st and 2nd. Come on Zach. Stand it up.

by rook34 on Jul 21, 2008 9:10 PM EDT   0 recs

nice Zach!

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 9:12 PM EDT   0 recs

We don't want to see

Billy Butler with the bases loaded…at all

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 9:12 PM EDT   0 recs

If that Sinker keeps working

Zach should kep starting

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Jul 21, 2008 9:12 PM EDT   0 recs

Could have used a double play like that Saturday.

And I am done griping about it now.

by rook34 on Jul 21, 2008 9:12 PM EDT   0 recs

I've always thought that Miner was the epitome of a 4th starter

doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but can usually keep you in the game. That’s really what the Tigers need.

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 9:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Da Meat Hook...

any of you see this, kind of sad….always liked Dmitri

http://www.nationalsenquirer.com/2008/07/not-just-anot-1.html

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 9:17 PM EDT   0 recs

living outside DC and watching the Nats last year was like watching a bad Tigers team what with Dmitri, Nook Logan, and Robert Fick

by Jerkwheat on Jul 21, 2008 9:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

actually

by the sad standards of the last 15 years, that was a GOOD Tigers team.

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 9:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Where have you gone Nate Cornejo

a nation turns it’s lonely eyes to you

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Jul 21, 2008 9:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ya, I CAN imagine! Man, I hate Fick, but the Nookster? Steroids? What! I always liked Dmitri though, too bad he was a drunk diabetic at the end with us….

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 9:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

what's to hate about fick?

I used to love that guy.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 9:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe hate is too strong...

I just never liked the guy, somethings one just can’t explain.

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 9:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

yep.

Check out www.spotstarters.com for more news on the Detroit Tigers.

by spotstarters on Jul 21, 2008 9:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

wow renteria is a waste of space

by HavocRox on Jul 21, 2008 9:26 PM EDT   0 recs

Seriously,

is there any reason Inge couldn’t be given a try there? He is more than athletic enough *(see Renterria).

by Zappatista on Jul 21, 2008 9:26 PM EDT   0 recs

that's a good question

he played short in college

by ThaWalrus9 on Jul 21, 2008 9:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I’d love to see Inge get consideration there, too.

Bless You Boys

by Ian Casselberry on Jul 21, 2008 9:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Great point

Especially after his play to end the game on Sunday

by TFerg1103 on Jul 21, 2008 9:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

61 pitches through 4

No bumps in the Miner Ride so far

http://www.fromthecopa.blogspot.com/

by rock n rye on Jul 21, 2008 9:27 PM EDT   0 recs

bite yer tongue!

by HavocRox on Jul 21, 2008 9:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs